Hanoi's grilled fish restaurants, infused with the aroma of burning charcoal, captivate the entire street.

After relishing the grilled snakehead fish with vermicelli, diners are treated to complimentary coconut soup and coconut jelly if they visit during lunchtime.

The alluring fragrance of Hanoi's charcoal-grilled fish permeates the bustling streets.

In recent years, various Hanoi fish cake establishments have emerged, offering different promotional prices. Previously, Hanoian families only occasionally indulged in the improving fish cake meal. But now, with numerous Hanoi fish cake eateries, the prices are budget-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy a hearty meal without worrying too much about expenses.

To keep their customers satisfied, each establishment adopts a unique approach. Some serve fish cakes richly marinated in shrimp sauce, sugar, and a touch of cà cuống essence. Others stick to the traditional method of marinating fresh fish pieces with ginger, a hint of spices, and grilling them over burning charcoal.

Although the Hanoi fish cake shop on Trần Quốc Toản Street opened just a few years ago, it eschews modern methods and follows the age-old cooking style. In the small kitchen area, the only sounds heard are the mother's lively instructions as she organizes tasks for each family member. They work diligently to prepare orders on time. The grilled fish batch turns golden and emits the enticing aroma, spreading throughout the neighborhood.

Following that, a gleaming aluminum pan filled with fragrant turmeric-coated golden fish slices is presented to guests. Green onions, vibrant and fresh, are added to the pan and tossed back and forth until tender, with the edges of the fish slightly crisped. You can customize the components as you wish, but many prefer layering a bit of vermicelli, fish, green onions, and peanuts, then drizzling a layer of shrimp sauce.

While some places have shifted to a different type of fish, this establishment remains steadfast in choosing snakehead fish, even if the procurement cost may be higher. The owner believes that the quality of the dish lies in the freshness of the ingredients. Therefore, selecting a reliable source of fish is more crucial than heavily seasoning. Visitors praise the large, firm fish slices, perfectly seasoned, providing a delightful taste. However, some wish for a bit more fatty richness in the fish.

The restaurant is quite spacious but consistently packed with patrons, so it's advisable to carefully make a reservation. By lunchtime, every table is engulfed in rising smoke as diners focus on using chopsticks to rescue the fish from the sizzling pan, skillfully balancing their cravings reaching its peak. During the wait, patrons can reach for a handful of fragrant and crunchy peanuts.

The price for a serving of grilled fish here is 120,000 VND, just enough to satisfy your hunger. Additionally, diners can order fish innards if desired. The restaurant often treats customers to complimentary porridge and coconut jelly during lunchtime.

Source: Viet Nguyen/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour